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Highlights from Sebastian Kurz's Keynote Speech on EU-Israel Relations and Jewish Life in Europe
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Transatlantic Dialogues (Part 2): MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou and Rep. Brian Mast
Part two of the Transatlantic Dialogues series bringing together legislators from both sides of the Atlantic featured Greek MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou and Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL). Moderated by AJC Transatlantic Institute Director Daniel Schwammenthal, the lawmakers covered a wide range of issues, from international trade and Iranian belligerency to relations with China and opportunities and challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Can the transatlantic partners find some much-needed common ground? Find out in this webinar!
The Central European Case for an EU Hezbollah Ban
There is new momentum in Europe on tackling Hezbollah. After Germany banned the terror group in April, the Austrian parliament unanimously urged the EU to end the artificial distinction between the organization’s ‘military’ and ‘political’ wing. Writing in Poland’s major news outlet ONET, the Acting Director of AJC’s Warsaw-based office, Sebastian Rejak, argues that Central European countries could collectively tip the balance in the EU Council in favor of a total Hezbollah ban.
AJC Welcomes EU Parliament Condemnation of Palestinian Incitement in Textbooks
Brussels, 14 May 2020 – The AJC Transatlantic Institute applauded the European Parliament for condemning the Palestinian Authority’s failure to act against incitement in text books, insisting that educators receiving EU-funds abide by UNESCO standards against hate, and calling on the EU’s...
AJC Troubled by EU Funding for NGOs with Terror Links, Calls for EU Parliament Hearing
Brussels, 7 May 2020 – The AJC Transatlantic Institute is deeply troubled by a statement from a European Union official affirming that EU funding would continue to Palestinian NGOs even if they employed terrorists or their supporters. In light of these revelations, the AJC Transatlantic...
Transatlantic Dialogues (Part 1): Rep. Ted Deutch and MEP Lukas Mandl
Relations between the U.S. and the EU have experienced unprecedented strains in recent years. In this first Transatlantic Dialogues webinar moderated by Julie Rayman Fishman, AJC Deputy Director for Policy and Diplomatic Affairs in Washington, Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl, Chair of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), and U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism, discuss how the two sides can overcome their differences on Iran, Russia, Israel, and other key issues.
Germany’s Hezbollah Ban a Model for Europe?
After Germany’s decision last week to ban Hezbollah, the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) caucus held its first webinar entitled “Europe and Hezbollah: A New EU Approach to Iran's Proxy.“ Moderator Daniel Schwammenthal discussed with TFI Chair and Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl, EU Parliament Vice President from Germany Nicola Beer, and Michael Doran from the Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute the significance of Berlin’s momentous decision, the prospects for the EU to follow suit, and a common transatlantic approach to Iran and its terror proxies.
Happy Birthday Israel!
The Jewish state celebrated its 72nd birthday this week. AJC CEO David Harris writes in this powerful essay about the history and meaning of Israel’s miraculous journey. The establishment of the state in 1948 was the fulfillment of its envisioned role as home and safe haven for Jews from around the world. Forced to fight wars and terrorism from day one, Israel’s wholehearted embrace of democracy, its impressive scientific, cultural, and economic achievements are all the more remarkable.
Coronavirus and Conspiracy Theories in Iran
Iran was one of the early countries hit hard by the coronavirus. In this month’s episode of Counterpoint, host Daniel Schwammenthal is joined by Kasra Aarabi, Analyst at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, to discuss the Shi’ite Islamist ideology driving the regime's inadequate response to the pandemic, Tehran’s dissemination of antisemitic and anti-American blood libels, as well as the terrorist threat stemming from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
A Rabbi in Riyadh
Rabbi David Rosen, AJC’s Jerusalem-based Director of Interreligious Affairs, was the first Jewish faith-leader to be hosted by Saudi King Salman. Rabbi Rosen reflects in Tablet Magazine on his experience in Riyadh with a multifaith delegation of the King Abdullah International Center for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue who met to discuss deepening interreligious dialogue and understanding. The historic visit bodes well for the future of Jewish-Muslim ties.
Can Europe Strengthen its Energy Security in the EastMed?
Israel’s discovery of vast gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean is a potential game-changer for EU energy security. A seven billion Euro pipeline connecting the Jewish state with Europe could diversify the continent’s energy supplies. But not so fast - Turkey and Russia could still torpedo the project. To discuss how Brussels can advance the pipeline, Counterpoint host Michael Sieveking is joined by Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Costas Mavrides and Israeli energy consultant Gina Cohen.